Sheriff's officials said the three used their patrol cars for sexual trysts with a woman with the department's Citizens Police Academy.

The sexual activity was consensual, but sheriff's officials said the incidents occurred when they should have been working.

"The Harris County Sheriff's Office holds all of its employees to the highest of standards, as should the citizens. Employees are expected to act in a professional and responsible manner at all times. Any employee whose conduct discredits and dishonors the Sheriff's Office and the uniform he/she wears will be disciplined accordingly. Improper conduct of any kind will not be tolerated," the sheriff's department said in a statement that was released on Tuesday.

Sheriff's officials said the three former patrol deputies joined the Harris County Sheriff's Department between 2003 and 2005.